MLS, supporters groups reach agreement over Cascadia Cup trademark

UPDATE 2:25 p.m. — Here is a statement from MLS president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott on the league website: “We are pleased to have reached a positive agreement regarding the Cascadia Cup trademark. We believe this resolution is good for our clubs, good for the game, and good for our fans in the long term.”

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Supporters groups for Sounders FC, the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps announced Friday that they have come to an agreement with MLS after a trademark dispute over the Cascadia Cup.

The conflict first became public in January, when it was revealed the league had applied for the trademark unbeknownst to the supporters.

The supporters then formed the Cascadia Cup Council, which also pursued the rights (particularly since the competition among Pacific Northwest rivals predates the teams joining MLS).

After months of talks between the two parties, resolution has been reached. From of the release:

While final ratification of the agreement is pending legal approval, both parties have agreed to a general framework that includes important provisions regarding trademark and sponsorship. The Cascadia Cup Council will own the name, logo and likeness of the trophy and no party may sell, trade, nor barter any sponsorship to the Cascadia Cup without the unanimous approval of all parties (i.e., CCC, Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS).

More details regarding the agreement will be released upon legal ratification.

The Cascadia Cup Council is pleased with the agreement in principle with Major League Soccer and is encouraged by the fact that Major League Soccer recognizes the importance of the supporter-owned Cascadia Cup for the growth of soccer in the Cascadia Region. The CCC believes this agreement in principle ensures that the Cascadia Cup will remain a supporter-created and supporter-owned cup.